Woman Police Officer Suspended After Bribery Arrest in Pune

Assistant Police Inspector Vaishali Totewar was suspended after arrest in a ₹30 lakh bribery case in Pune. She allegedly used an associate to collect money from complainant in a trap

Pune| 05 May 2026: Assistant Police Inspector Vaishali Totewar has been suspended from service following her arrest in a bribery case, with Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar issuing the suspension order after allegations that she demanded ₹30 lakh in connection with an investigation handled by the Economic Offences Wing in Pune. The case has also led to the cancellation of her relieving order and disciplinary action within the police department.

According to officials from the Economic Offences Wing, Totewar was initially assigned to investigate a complaint related to a land dispute case. During the course of the inquiry, she allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹30 lakh from the complainant. It is further alleged that the complainant had already paid ₹2 lakh initially, while the remaining ₹28 lakh was later demanded for settling the matter.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau laid a trap after receiving a complaint regarding the demand. As part of the operation, the complainant was asked to deliver the remaining amount near a five-star hotel on Bhandarkar Road. Instead of meeting the officer directly, Totewar allegedly sent an associate, identified as Shivaji Chavan, to collect the money on her behalf.

Chavan was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau team while accepting the bribe amount during the operation conducted on Saturday. Following his detention, further investigation reportedly revealed Totewar’s involvement in orchestrating the collection through him.Both Totewar and Chavan were subsequently arrested after preliminary interrogation established their roles in the transaction. A local court has remanded them to police custody until May 6, allowing investigators to probe the larger network and circumstances surrounding the alleged bribery demand.

Police officials confirmed that Totewar had recently been transferred and was earlier posted in the Economic Offences Wing before being relieved for joining the Mumbai Railway Police in a promoted capacity. However, after the arrest, her relieving order was also revoked as departmental proceedings were initiated.Senior police authorities have stated that strict action will be taken in cases involving corruption within the force, and the investigation into the matter is ongoing to determine if additional individuals were involved.

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